The late Carrie Fisher had a dazzling array of talents on and off screen, working as a brilliant writer as well as being one of the best actors of her generation. As Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies, she delivered a truly iconic performance that puts her among the best Star Wars characters – and that’s a competitive list.
Initially a princess rescued by Luke Skywalker, we were able to watch throughout the best movies in the franchise as she became a warrior leader of the Rebellion and, later, a general in the Resistance against the First Order.
Leia had many talents, and Fisher certainly did too. It turns out that one of the actor’s skills was that she could speak fluent French, as she showcased in an interview with Radio Television Suisse to promote the original Star Wars way back in 1977.
In flawless French, Fisher said of George Lucas: “He made everyone’s character very specific [very strong] I think, because the princess is not a victim. She’s very strong, and it’s good, because there are not a lot of strong women in film right now.”
It’s a shame that Fisher never got to deploy her flair for languages in the Star Wars movies, as Leia might have been able to give C-3PO a run for his money when it came to translating alien dialects.
For more from the galaxy far, far away, check out which Star Wars actor said he plays the most boring character in the franchise and why the original Darth Maul design gave George Lucas nightmares.
We’ve also got guides to all of the new Star Wars movies on the way, as well as your favorite Star Wars series.